(Validated by Dublin City University)

The Course

This one-year degree programme is for those who have previously been engaged in theological studies, but without formal accreditation and have substantial pastoral experience. It is designed to facilitate in-service training, through a combination of college contact time and personal study.

Who is the course for?

The course aims to meet the needs of students who have completed an appropriate cycle of theological studies, are without formal qualifications, have acquired four years of pastoral experience and will benefit from further studies in pastoral theology.

Course Aims

This programme aims to enable suitably qualified and experienced students to re-engage in formal education and achieve a level of competence in pastoral theology to primary degree level.

Course Content

The subject emphasis will be: Scripture, Systematic Theology, Moral Theology, Family Ministry, Pastoral Theological Reflection and Communication Skills.

Modules include:

• Pastoral Use of Scripture with particular reference to the Gospel for the current liturgical year
• Faith and Culture - exploring their relationship and implications for evangelization today
• Leadership in Church and Society - from the perspectives of psychology, sociology and theology
• A Pastoral Theology for Family - evaluating contemporary understandings and developing appropriate pastoral responses
• Communication Skills for Ministry - developing effective personal, inter-personal and media skills for the world of today
• Pastoral Theological Reflection - making the connections between faith/theology and concrete ministry situations
• Integration Essay - an opportunity to apply the insights gained to a particular area of pastoral concern.

 Course Entry Requirements

Requirements for this course include:

• at least two years full-time (or equivalent) study of theology as well as at least one year’s study of related subjects at undergraduate level.
• at least four years pastoral experience.
• In addition, personal interviews are arranged at All Hallow College and successful applicants notified.

Course Information

The programme will involve attendance here at All Hallows College for at least twenty full days, divided into three one-week blocks in September, January and June as well as five one- day periods spread throughout the year.

This will be supplemented by substantial amounts of personal study and research by the students in their own time.

Please note that this course cannot be taken as a correspondence course.

Assessment

Assessment of this course will be conducted through a combination of:

Continuous Assessment
Written assignments
Final Examination
 

Application Procedure

For information contact:
John Joe Spring, Programme Director
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